California Ranks Among Top Six Solar States

The report from Environment California shows solar capacity in the state grew by 35-percent in 2012. It now has almost 3,000 megawatts.

That’s enough to power an estimated 600-thousand homes.

Michelle Kinman with Environment California says it’s not the availability of sunlight that puts states in the lead, but similar public policies that support solar energy.

She says 11 of the top 12 states have laws that allow “net-metering” of solar power.

“That’s the policy that allows homeowners, businesses, who are solar owners to effectively spin their meter background so they are guaranteed to receive a fair return for any excess electricity that they’re supplying to the grid,” says Kinman.

Kinman says New Jersey was ranked above California in the amount of solar power per capita.

Amy came to Sacramento from New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR) where she was Environment Reporter. Amy has also reported for NPR member stations WFAE in Charlotte, WAMU in Washington D.C. and American Public Media's "Marketplace." Read Full Bio